Report: Packers to sign Cedric Benson

Chris Mortenson of ESPN tweeted early Friday evening that free agent running back Cedric Benson is in Green Bay and is expected to sign with the Packers.

Benson, a former first-round pick of the Chicago Bears, resurrected his career with the Cincinnati Bengals over the last four seasons, totaling more than 4,100 yards rushing and starting 44 of the 46 games he played. The lack of interest in Benson, only 29, during the off-season was curious.

There is a wide range of opinion on the Packers' making this move.

From former NFL executive Andrew Brandt:

https://twitter.com/adbrandt/status/234053048081715200

From Michael Fabiano of NFL.com:

https://twitter.com/Michael_Fabiano/status/234057352985317376

Here's a lengthy analysis from Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com. The key point: "You don't go through the trouble of signing Cedric Benson just for a look-see. You bring him in because you think you need him."